Introducing the D-45 Authentic 1942!

Source: Sounding Board Newsletter Vol 30 - Jan. 2011

Who Says We Don't Make Them Like We Used To!

The new D-45 Authentic is made exactly like Martin made the original 91 pre-war D-45 Dreadnoughts. And like the originals, these new D-45 Authentics could well become the next "Holy Grails" of acoustic guitardom.

These are magnificent, historically-correct instruments, scrupulously replicated based on a 1942 D-45 (Serial # 81578), the centerpiece of the Martin Museum Collection. According to Tim Teel, Martin's Director of Instrument Design, pre-war D-45s had some interesting differences from later D-45 reissues. The original Adirondack red spruce tops were thinner (.105" versus .120") with rear-shifted scalloped X-bracing. The thickness of the back was slightly thinner, too, which also added to the lightness and airy resonance of the guitar. We've reproduced these specs in this Authentic edition along with an ebony, non-adjustable neck rod (circa 1930s), solid pearl inlays and, of course, premium bookmatched Brazilian rosewood back, sides, headplate, as well as Brazilian inlays in the top, rosette, side and back, and much more.

Perhaps one of the most important authentic features of the 1942 D-45 is the 100% hot hide glue construction. For many years, hide glue was used almost exclusively by Martin and other quality guitar makers. It's still the choice among many independent luthiers – and with good reason. A natural-based product, it's been proven to add sustain and clarity of tone to guitars and other stringed instruments. Although it is extremely difficult to utilize in production settings, it does allow for easy disassembly of wooden parts in repair procedures. As many vintage instrument collectors and repair persons can attest, hide glue is durable, flexible and long lasting. At Martin, we still use it on many of our custom instruments and vintage guitar repairs.

If it was on an original pre-war D-45, it's on the new 1942 D-45. All of these features and attention to minute details coalesce into more than just a historically correct D-45. These guitars replicate the feel, the sound, the look, the essence of a pre-war Martin D-45.